Levi's 501 vs. 502 vs. 511 vs. 512: Differences and Reviews 2024

Levi's 501 vs. 502 vs. 511 vs. 512:  Overview

1. Levi's 501

Official Price: from $69.50

Reviews: Levi's 501s are the OG style of jeans. Designed in 1873 by Levi Strauss himself, the now-iconic style was created for working men who needed pants that could withstand tough working conditions.  Over the past 150 years, they've become synonymous with classic American style. While the production, quality, and materials of the 501 have changed over the last century, its fit and style remain relatively the same: straight-leg, high-rise, with no taper.

The Levi's 501s are made of  non-stretch 100% cotton or low stretch 99% votton and 1% LYCRA. Their style is neither skinny nor baggy and sits just above the hips for a flattering silhouette on any body type. These jeans don’t have a trendy, narrow silhouette, but they sure can last!  The patented durable rivets and five-pocket styling keep them timeless, while their signature button fly adds authentic old-school flair. Pair ‘em with boots or cuffed with sneakers–you won't get more classic than this.

2. Levi's 502

Official Price: from $69.50

Reviews: The Levi's 502 is a touch slimmer than its better-known predecessor 501 (but still roomy enough for comfort) with a streamlined, tapered leg, they’re a more refined, modern alternative to straight jeans. What is a taper? Think of it as an inverted triangle: wider at the top, and narrow at the bottom. Tapered jeans offer extra room through the seat and thigh for comfort and room to move, but instead of fitting straight to the ankle (which can result in a baggy look), the leg narrows to the ankle for a clean, crisp finish.

The Levi's 502 has a unique shape mentioned above that offers a loose fit in the waist, seat, and thighs but then tapers through the lower leg, ending in a small leg opening.  These feature a zipper fly, and a bit of stretch via LYCRA. Tapered leg gives 502s a refined look that's easy to dress or down. Plus, they look great cuffed with boots or casual summer sneakers. This cool, casual fit is a great place to start before jumping into men’s slim tapered jeans (like the 512™).

3. Levi's 511

Official Price: from $69.50

Reviews:

First released in 2016, the Levi’s 511 marries the classic style of the original 501 with a sleeker, slimmer look suitable for modern fashion. Levi's describes the fit of their beloved 511 jeans as "not too skinny and not too loose." This trendy style offers a fitted waist, slender thigh area, and narrow leg opening, while below the knee, the jeans hang straight, meaning that they tend to break just a bit more loosely at the ankle with a rise that sits just below your waist. These slim fit jeans for men feature 5-pocket styling and a zip fly with button closure for that authentic Levi's look and feel.

The Levi’s 511 will not feel as tight or skin-hugging as skinny jeans. These jeans do provide a slender silhouette, though, because they fit closely at your waist and thighs without the rubberband elastic feel of true skinny jeans. They also incorporate something called flex fabric. This means that Levi’s blends in 1 to 2% of elastane, a type of elastic, with the cotton threads that make the denim. Giving jeans a little stretch makes a tightly fisted waist much more comfortable and allows you to bend over or even jog without feeling constrained!

4. Levi's 512

Official Price: from $69.50

Reviews: The Levi’s 512 Slim Taper sits at the sweet spot between a skinny and a regular taper. Levi’s 512 cut takes the 511 style just slightly further by adding tapered legs to the already slim fit. This new style has tighter legs all the way down, and also sits low at the waist, instead of the slim fit in the upper leg and then the straight knee-to-ankle of the 511. They are made of 70% cotton, 28% TENCEL™ lyocell, 2% elastane for a bit more stretch and flexibility.

Because of its slightly tighter fit, the Levi’s 512 cut feels a little more like skinny jeans than the Levi’s 511. The main thing to keep in mind about Levi’s 512 style is that it’s narrow the whole way through, from the thigh through the leg opening. Where it does align with the 511 is that it sacrifices zero comfort with its snugger fit. They give you a sharp, sleek, modern appearance.

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Levi's 501 vs. 502 vs. 511 vs. 512: Differences

Before diving into my in-depth discussion, look at the table below to get a key specs of them.

Cut

The Levi's 501 has a straight leg and a relaxed fit through the hip and thigh. This means from the hip to the ankle  (maybe with a slight taper) are all straight.  It is considered a classic fit that is comfortable and versatile.

The Levi's 502 is regular taper fit.  It offers a loose fit in the waist, seat, and thighs, but tapers from the thigh down, creating a slightly crisper silhouette that follows the natural shape of the leg. 

The Levi's 511 has a slim, straight fit. It offers a fitted waist, slender thigh area, and narrow leg opening, while below the knee, the jeans hang straight, meaning that they tend to break just a bit more loosely at the ankle.

The Levi's 512 has a slim, tapered fit. It’s narrow the whole way through, from the thigh through the leg opening. It give you a noticeable taper without being too constrictive.

Waist

The Levi's 501 features high rise which is a modern twist on classic styles that have defined generations.

The Levi's 502 has a mid rise that can be worn formally while still being modern.

Both Levi's 511 and  Levi's 512 styles ride low on the waist.

Leg Opening

The leg opening on the Levi's 501 is wider than that of the  Levi's 502, 511 and 512, measures 16 inches, reflecting its straight fit design.

The leg opening on the Levi's 511 is 14.5  inches, reflecting its slim straight fit design.

The leg opening on the 502 same that of the Levi's 511 with a little extra room in the leg. 

Because of its tapered style,  Levi's 512 has a smallest opening measuring just 12.75 inches!

Fly

The Levi's 501 offer signature button fly which add authentic old-school flair, while the the Levi's 502, 511 and  512 have a zipper fly.

Stretchness

There is no stretch in a Levi's 501. It's a classic jean. Wear it the classic way: all cotton. 

The Levi's 502 and 511 made with 1% elastane mixed in with the cotton which always have a little bit of stretch.

The Levi's 512 feature high stretch which are made of  28% Lyocell (Lenzing TENCEL™ Lyocell), 2% LYCRA®® and 70% Cotton.

Bottom Line

The Levi's 501 are what legends are made of and can be worn by almost all body types and sizes because they are not too tight and not too loose, either. These old-school fit have these jeans sitting at your waist, roomy in the thigh, and with a straight leg.The button-fly style is timeless and evergreen. If you’re looking to achieve that timeless vintage look, this style references the past in a way that’s reverent rather than dated.

The Levi's 502's are the perfect jeans for a modern look without looking too skinny or slim. They feature a roomier thigh like the Levi's 501, but with a modern tapered leg for a more casual, modern look. If you want a more form-fitting jean without going rockstar-skinny mode, this is a great option.

Levi’s describes the 511 cut as slim-fit, meaning that this style will not feel as tight or skin-hugging as skinny jeans. If you like the appearance of skinny jeans but can’t commit to the real deal, consider the Levi's 511 as a safe compromise. They’re cut with a slim thigh and straight leg so you’ll still get the sleek appearance of skinny jeans in a silhouette that’s a little less constricting. 

The Levi's 512 is a brand new fit inspired by the 511 Slim and  has  become a modern classic within its slim jean portfolio. Billed as a generally narrower version of the 511 Slim Fits,  these jeans will fit closely to your body from the waist to the ankle. If you like the fit of the 511 Slim but would prefer an even narrower leg, look no further than the 512.

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